Rim Forest in House Fire
San
Bernardino County Firefighters Tuesday December 30, 2014,
9:40 A.M., responded to a report of a structure fire. One person could possibly
be trapped house fire, at the 1600 block of Hazel Place in Rim Forest. Upon
their arrival, the top two floors of the 1,600 square foot, 3-story home, was
fully involved in fire. Firefighters quickly went into attack mode and tried to
make entry into the home; however, were hindered by downed live power lines and
the house was starting to collapse. Once firefighters were able to make entry,
they found an elderly man deceased near the back door of the first floor. Eight
pet birds were also found dead inside.
The house is located on a steep mountainside and the fire
caught surrounding vegetation and two large pine trees on fire. Firefighters
were instrumental in keeping the fire from spreading to the two adjacent homes.
One out-building was lost to the fire.
Due to the steep terrain and location of the home, coupled
with the narrow windy roads and increment weather, it took 37 firefighters
about two hours to bring the fire under control. San Bernardino County Fire
responded with 6 fire engines and 2 ambulances.
Thank
you to our cooperators who sent 1 fire engine and 1 patrol from the U.S. Forest
Service, 1 fire engine from Running Springs Fire Dept. and 1 fire engine from
CalFire.
San Bernardino County Fire and Sheriff Investigators remain
on scene. The cause of the fire has not been determined as of yet.
Investigators stated the home is a complete loss, with estimates over $75,000
in damage. There were no other injuries.
San
Bernardino County Fire reminds you to change furnace filters
to keep equipment running efficiently and safely. Place all space heaters at
least three feet away from furniture, walls, curtains, or anything that burns.
Make sure to turn them
off when you leave home or go to bed. Have your chimneys inspected and cleaned
by a professional before each heating season and have it cleaned regularly. Be
sure to have a proper spark arrester on all chimney tops to prevent burning
embers from blowing out of the top of the chimney and starting a fire on your
roof or a neighbor’s. If you have a manufactured fireplace, check with the
manufacturer for installation requirements before placing anything on top of
the fireplace.
For more winter safety
tips, visit our website at www.sbcfire.org.